Fremont discovers invasive fruit fly, triggers county-wide quarantine

A quarantine has been established in a significant area of Alameda County due to the discovery of a mated female Mediterranean fruit fly in Fremont. The quarantine zone spans 71 square miles, bordered by state Highway 84 to the north and the Alameda-Santa Clara county line to the south. During this period, all produce grown within the quarantine area must remain there, affecting farmers, wholesalers, retailers, and home gardeners. Produce can only be consumed on-site or disposed of properly if infected. To combat the infestation, officials plan to release sterile male medflies at a rate of 250,000 per square mile weekly in a 39-square-mile area surrounding the initial find. Additionally, properties within 650 feet of the infestation will be treated with organic pesticides, and fruit will be removed from areas within 330 feet of locations with confirmed mated females or larval detections. This proactive approach aims to prevent the spread of the pest, which is known to infest over 250 types of fruits and vegetables. The mated female was discovered in a trap on August 28, and the duration of the quarantine remains uncertain. The last occurrence of a medfly quarantine in Alameda County dates back to 1981, highlighting the rarity of such events. Residents who suspect an infestation are encouraged to report it through the state's Pest Hotline or via email. The Mediterranean fruit fly poses a significant threat to local agriculture, necessitating immediate action to protect crops and maintain food safety. The measures taken reflect the urgency of addressing this invasive species to safeguard the region's agricultural integrity.